North Port gets infusion of shopping options

More than 30 people waited outside Sports Authority in North Port's Cocoplum Village Shops at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. The shopping plaza, which was built in the fall of 2012, helped to usher in North Port's first bona fide Black Friday this year. Although many shoppers still went to Port Charlotte or Sarasota for eals on electronics and clothes, the shoppers at Cocoplum Plaza said the selection of stores in North Port has dramatically increased in the last two years.

Published: Friday, November 29, 2013 at 12:13 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, November 29, 2013 at 12:13 p.m.

NORTH PORT - At 6 a.m., more than 30 people were lined up outside the Sports Authority in Cocoplum Village, wrapped up in sweatshirts and blankets, leaning on one another or the wall in the morning chill.

Zachary and Deana Turner of North Port were the first in line when they arrived at 4:30 a.m., lured by Sports Authority's offer of gift certificates from $10 to $500 for the first 80 shoppers.

Today marked the city's first bona fide Black Friday, as new stores, especially those in the Cocoplum Village Shops, drew crowds hoping to snag the best deals on holiday purchases.

Allan Lane, North Port's economic development director, said the city has seen an uptick in retail in the past year sparked by the development around Cocoplum.

"It will be the first year you'll see (Black Friday shoppers) because of the number of shopping options in the city," Lane said.

While many residents still head to Port Charlotte or Sarasota, and Walmart and Home Depot draw the largest crowds Friday morning, the Cocoplum shops did a brisk business.

While the 340,000-square-foot plaza opened in the fall of 2012, most storefronts remained bare until after the 2012 holiday season.

Now — with more than 30 shops and anchor stores like TJ Maxx, Sports Authority and Hobby Lobby — Cocoplum is the face of North Port retail.

"There's definitely more shopping here, but there's still more appeal in Port Charlotte," said Zachary Turner as he adjusted his Florida Gators blanket and waited for the store to open.

Many other Black Friday participants agreed with that sentiment.

Phil Aspiolea stood in front of Radio Shack with more than 10 others at 7:45 a.m. and said he almost always leaves town to go shopping.

"We could use more options," the North Port resident said. "Now, if you want to buy electronics, you have to either be satisfied with Walmart or drive down to Port Charlotte. It's gotten better, but not by much."

But Economic Development Director Lane said more big-name stores could come to the area if North Port's population continues to increase.

"Cities are built one business, one house, one service at a time," Lane said. "And North Port, at the 9th hour, is continuing to grow and expand."

<p><em>NORTH PORT</em> - At 6 a.m., more than 30 people were lined up outside the Sports Authority in Cocoplum Village, wrapped up in sweatshirts and blankets, leaning on one another or the wall in the morning chill.</p><p>Zachary and Deana Turner of North Port were the first in line when they arrived at 4:30 a.m., lured by Sports Authority's offer of gift certificates from $10 to $500 for the first 80 shoppers.</p><p>Today marked the city's first bona fide Black Friday, as new stores, especially those in the Cocoplum Village Shops, drew crowds hoping to snag the best deals on holiday purchases.</p><p>Allan Lane, North Port's economic development director, said the city has seen an uptick in retail in the past year sparked by the development around Cocoplum.</p><p>"It will be the first year you'll see (Black Friday shoppers) because of the number of shopping options in the city," Lane said.</p><p>While many residents still head to Port Charlotte or Sarasota, and Walmart and Home Depot draw the largest crowds Friday morning, the Cocoplum shops did a brisk business.</p><p>While the 340,000-square-foot plaza opened in the fall of 2012, most storefronts remained bare until after the 2012 holiday season.</p><p>Now — with more than 30 shops and anchor stores like TJ Maxx, Sports Authority and Hobby Lobby — Cocoplum is the face of North Port retail.</p><p>"There's definitely more shopping here, but there's still more appeal in Port Charlotte," said Zachary Turner as he adjusted his Florida Gators blanket and waited for the store to open.</p><p>Many other Black Friday participants agreed with that sentiment.</p><p>Phil Aspiolea stood in front of Radio Shack with more than 10 others at 7:45 a.m. and said he almost always leaves town to go shopping.</p><p>"We could use more options," the North Port resident said. "Now, if you want to buy electronics, you have to either be satisfied with Walmart or drive down to Port Charlotte. It's gotten better, but not by much."</p><p>But Economic Development Director Lane said more big-name stores could come to the area if North Port's population continues to increase.</p><p>"Cities are built one business, one house, one service at a time," Lane said. "And North Port, at the 9th hour, is continuing to grow and expand."</p>